5 comments about A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel: My Journey in Photographs.

1. The photos grab you at first, but it's the words that will make you treasure this must-have hardback. Author Annie Griffiths Belt was one of the first female photographers hired at the National Geographic Society, and in these pages you can understand why. The 133 images soar.
   
   Subjects range from Minnesota blizzards to Jerusalem Ramadan celebrations to refugee camps in Pakistan and Thailand. An image that sticks with me is a Biloxi Katrina survivor sitting alone in a bare room, holding her 81st birthday cake in her lap. Another indelible photo: dolphins playing at dawn in New Zealand.
   
   Also in the book are Belt's stories about her travels and adventures. Accompanying each photo is a short narrative, in which the author describes what was happening before, during and after she took the shot. Throughout the book Belt describes what it was like bringing her two young kids with her while she traveled, often with her husband in tow, too. These tales are often funny, always interesting.
   
   The dust jacket slips off to reveal a paisley-print cover with the title in gold letters on the spine.



2. A book to treasure! Simply magnificent photographs by the brilliant Annie G. Belt. Beautifully reproduced and narrated - a fascinating tour of the world and humanity by one of the top photographers in the world. Highly recommend!



3. After reading the book and seeing the world through Annie G. Belts stunning photos, I am beyond moved. Her story is funny and beautiful. She makes me feel like I can do anything in the world that I dream of doing and bring my children along for the ride. This book has enriched my life and opened up my heart to new possibilitites.



4. This book is just wonderful! It has the most beautiful photographs and commentary. I've been reading it to my children for bedtime story. I saw a television program where the author was talking about each picture. She gave even greater details about the stories and circumstances behind each picture! It would be great if that would have been included along with the book itself in CD/DVD format. I loved listening to her describe in detail all that goes in to getting the one perfect shot! Again, wonderful book. The photos are just breath-taking!



5. Very disappointed. Pictures are good but certainly not much about Petra which I was led to believe was the main interest. Books are for my kids that were in Petra and I thought they would make great gifts but doubt if they will be very impressed.

5 comments about Photographing the World Around You: A Visual Design Workshop for Film and Digital Photography.

1. It was quite interesting to learn exactly why the photographs in this book were taken. The techniques were clever and well explained. Highly recommended.



2. I had the good fortune to attend a day's seminar on photography conducted by the author of this book Freeman Patterson. This inspired me to buy this book, and I have found that it takes me beyond where Freeman left off at the Seminar and invites me to go hands on with the concepts he introduced to me and more. I think you should buy this book.



3. This is an excellent book with great explanations about composition. It has many photographies to use as examples and many useful asignments. I strongly recommend it.



4. This book describes how the Bauhaus/Itten principles of visual design can be applied to photography. If you are technically competent, but lack composition skills, you will find this book very useful.



5. I am relatively new to photography and have been struggling to master a fairly complex camera (the Nikon D300). As such, I have spent a good deal of time reading "the literature" on cameras, imaging, photography, etc. While some of this information might be of marginal utility to my ultimate success, I had grown weary of the mundane, the boring, and (especially!) the poorly written. This was my perspective when Mr. (Freeman) Patterson's book was among my latest haul from the local library. What a refreshing and pleasant surprise!
   
   Finally I am reading a book that actually makes sense to me! Here is a man who has something of real substance to say and much to contribute to my understanding of this new-found passion! Mr. (Freeman) Patterson distills a measured quantity of insightful information into brief, terse, to-the-point chapters that have been incredibly inspiring to me. He provides suggestions and alternatives that explain the "what" and the "why" as well as the "how." This is NOT one of those thinly-veiled, vain offerings that purport to teach but only contain page after page of images that are boringly similar to those of the last 'author' I happened to consult. Nor is it one of those endless 'cookbooks' that tend to spit back exactly the same content as the manual that came with the camera. No. Mr. (Freeman) Patterson skillfully incorporates a few of his own well-chosen images to enhance his text. In fact, he does this so conservatively that one image often serves to illustrate several examples -- a feature that I found especially appealing.
   
   If you wanted to see many examples of Mr. (Freeman) Patterson's work then this is not the book for you (although I see that other choices are available for this). If you wanted instruction on exactly which button, dial, or setting to use on your camera this book will not be a good choice. BUT, if you have finally gotten those dials, settings, and buttons sorted out and are really ready to start exploring that marvelous machine in your hands then I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
   
   I have decided that I cannot bear to part with this book when it must be returned to the library; shortly I will purchase my own copy (and I can say this about very, very few recent 'photography' books). In fact, I see that he has an entire set of instructional volumes similar to this one. Likely all will make it to the shelves of my library soon. I have even visited his webpage ([...]) and have discovered that he offers seminars that extend the content of this and his other instructional books. I suspect that one day I may get to meet him; I have printed off the application and brochure and now need to go in search of coins between the sofa cushions!!
   
   This book is one of a very few that I will likely want to consult regularly and reread as my photography matures. If you have managed to wade through the dribble that is so plentiful you, too, may be ready for Mr. (Freeman) Patterson.

5 comments about Digital Portrait Photography and Lighting: Take Memorable Shots Every Time.

1. Great book with all the information to get you started and keep you going. It also has the answers for the questions you forgot you had. You would need to review several books to get all the info packed into this one. If you need help check out [...].



2. While reading this book, I found myself taking notes constantly. The wealth of information is outstanding and it really helped me make choices as to my future lighting purchases. I would certainly recommend this book for any photographer wishing to start portrait photography.



3. This book is a must-have for beginning photographers. It covers so many different aspects of photography, from equipment needed(and estimated costs), to lighting, editing software, posing, creative techniques, starting your own business, composition, etc. I would recommend this book to anyone who was getting into digital photography & was looking to buy their first book!



4. This book covers all of the bases. It includes everything from equipment to lighting to posing. There is even a section on post processing. It is organized well and written in a very clear manner. I think that it serves the serious photographer well. Pros may need a bit more detail however.



5. I am new to portraiture, studio lighting and many other facets of portrait photography. I found this book to be most instructive. The index is complete and easy to follow. Therefore, I can find definitions, implementations, uses, etc. very quickly. I don't like reading page after page trying to find a particular detail...I would rather go to the index, do a word search, find the information I need and implement. I can do that with this book.

5 comments about Audrey Hepburn: A Life in Pictures.

1. IS a very nice book, great photos. What I didnt like is that some of the picture titles are wrong.



2. This beautiful addition to any Audrey Hepburn library is a classy production that brings into focus Audrey's life and work through extravagantly sized photos, reproduced on thick, lush pages that are velvety to the touch. It's full of stunning b&w and color portraits, snapshots, and film stills that are arranged well in a mostly chronological order. There are many quotes included, both by Audrey and about her, which give a good overall feel for her personality.
   
   However, glaringly absent, there is nothing at all from "My Fair Lady." I was introduced to Audrey Hepburn as a child by way of "My Fair Lady," and therefore the film will always have a special place in my heart. I'm sure I am not alone. How the author could leave such an important work totally out of the collection is a puzzle to me, and therefore I cannot say this collection is completely comprehensive.
   
   I found the biography at the beginning of the book a bit disjointed, although it does give a good overview of her experiences during her childhood and the war that so greatly affected her personality. Of course, the biography is not the point of this book, as this is not meant to be an in depth literary study of her life. This is her life and accomplishments told through photographs.
   
   For those seeking a gorgeous photo album, this may be what you are looking for. The "personal" pictures I believe to be mostly photo ops, and therefore you do not get a much of look into the "private" Audrey, but the pictures are many and well varied, and the beautiful portraits alone are well worth the price of admission



3. This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to a brave, talented and beautiful lady. Well worth the price. More than a "coffee table book" the biographical introduction is well written and informative. Where are class acts like Audrey today?



4. I have not looked inside it is sealed and I plan to present it to my grandaughter in Nov. for her birthday. However, it looks beautiful and arrived promptly.



5. This is a gorgeous book. The pictures are huge and clear with lots of bio tidbits and quotes around the pictures. Definitely worth it for any Audrey fan.

4 comments about Vegas Pro 8 Editing Workshop.

1. I've been wanting a Vegas reference book that starts where the meagre Sony documentation leaves off. So when I saw the Amazon blurbs for this book that said, "a complete handbook for new and advanced user", "exhaustive, richly detailed resource that no Vegas user should be without" and "This comprehensive guide delivers the nuts and bolts of the essential tasks" I immediately bought it.
   
   After looking through it for several days I'm returning it. Contrary to the specific praise I quoted above, this is not a comprehensive reference book, it's more like a compilation of the author's favorite Vegas applications.
   
   There are 90 pages on Vegas audio, many pages in two separate places talking about making video look more like film, a whole chapter talking about third party plug-ins and another chapter on using multiple cameras. But there are less than 20 pages talking about the dozens of video fx plug-ins that come with Vegas, something much more fundamental to my being able to really use this program than any of the above.
   
   And even when the author spends time on a subject I found it incomplete for someone without prior knowledge of the subject. A perfect example is his treatment of color correction in Vegas, something I am very interested in. He presents about a dozen examples of the videoscopes and other color monitors available in the program but never explains how to read them or how to use the information they represent.
   
   If your interests coincide with the author's you will probably find this a rewarding manual, but if you're looking for a book that explains this software in depth and in breadth you will just have to join me in hoping that somewhere someone is writing the Missing Manual for Sony Vegas.



2. This book is a treasure trove of info. It is one of those indispensible manuals that gives so much needed info, counsel, and absolutely clear examples. This is a MUST BUY for anyone learning Vegas or video/audio editing. Excellent job. A DVD with samples, examples, and software is included. The answer you are looking for is in this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.



3. It must first be said that Douglas Spotted Eagle obviously understands Vegas, which is the best NLE program for its price. But this book did not live up to the editorial review hype
   I purchased this manual hoping for an in-depth Vegas Pro 8 learning experience, but I am somewhat disappointed. Editing mistakes within the book made some parts a bit confusing. And if a working veg file is on the DVD to follow what the book is teaching, use the same image as in the book.. But, the author did do a great job of explaining things that were previously murky to me. (Masking, for example.)
   The single most important thing I gleaned is what Douglas Spotted Eagle espouses throughout this manual. EXPERIMENT. Check out every fx - every transition - every filter. Add multiple fx to events - see what happens.
   The workshop is advertized as 528 pages, so I figured it would be worth the price. But a chapter touting plug-ins should not have been included. I can get that kind of info by Googling.
   By the way, there are many Vegas Pro 8 user "tutorials" posted on YouTube. All free!



4. I liked this book firstly because you can read it even without having a computer in front of you. It is full of pictures and you can read it even when you are traveling. Initially it covers all menus of Vegas one by one and gives occasionally real examples of how to use them. So it's good for the beginners. After that, covers specific methods and there is an accompanying disk containing several .veg projects. So advanced users will also be satisfied. The author appears to have deep knowledge of video and especially audio aspects. My overall feeling is that I have a book I can refer to whenever I need help in Vegas.

No comments about Roy Stuart, Volume II.

3 comments about Wedding Photographer's Handbook.

1. If you're a serious portrait or wedding photographer who has read extensively in the field you'll readily recognize the name of Bill Hurter, whose skills have produced many winning titles on the subject of professional photography. Here he goes beyond the scenes with some of the world's top wedding photographers to learn - and impart - their secrets to any handy with a camera. From understanding current wedding photography trends to tips for lighting, posing, and digital manipulation of images, black and white and color examples compliment discussions of everything from developing photographer 'people skills' to technical manipulation.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I'm about 3/4 of the way through the first time, making a few notes as I go. This book is exactly what I was looking for. I'm a technically competent camera user. I've done dark room work in the past, and PhotoShop more currently. I'm an aging geek and amateur photographer and can handle the technology end just fine. I can recognize a good shot when I see one, but I've never done "People Photography" as other than casual shots or incidental to scenery.
   
   This book gives great examples of the kinds of wedding photography currently popular. While it goes into some of the technical aspects of digital photograpy: work flow, RAW,color space, etc.; it covers "people techniques" such as appropriate camera height for portraiture, bust, and full body shots. It covers pose basics such as 7/8, and 3/4 head shots. Shoulders turned at an angle, head tilt differences for the bride verses the groom. Whether I make effective use of this book remains to be seen, but the information is just what I wanted.



3. I am always looking at ways improve my shooting experience. With that in mind, this book did not give me many new insights. The book has good information and start with the basics.

2 comments about Children's Portrait Photography Handbook.

1. I am not a professional photographer, just so we get that out of the way. I recently graduated from a point and shoot digital camera that, while better than any camera I had owned previously, was not the nice unit I have now. I also have three little girls who are photogenic. Now, I have a book that has turned me into a better photographer of children. It was so easy to understand, so inspirational and so filled with wonderful examples that it sucked me in and spit me out with the knowledge to photograph my children anywhere, anytime and enjoy beautiful results. The interviews with professionals gave me insights that I never would have obtained elsewhere.
   Now I take the pictures for my sister and for a few friends. Amazing book.



2. This book has outstanding photos and ideas. It really opens up the horizon on how to photograph children. We took some great shots of our 5 month old son after reading the book. However, the book assumes that you are a serious or professional photographer and neglects to explain some of the technical aspects in easy to understand terms for a novice wanting to merely learn how to take better pictures of children. Overall, though, definitely worth it for the photos and ideas.

5 comments about 100 Naked Girls.

1. I got the book for my boyfriend and he honestly hasn't even looked at it, just flipped through. I looked at it though and just thought it was cheesy. The girls all look the same and they just aren't very sexy. I was disappointed. Poo



2. Hegre has an eye for a certain kind of beauty in women. Not all women's lives create it, it may be prettiness rather than beauty, and it lasts for only a short part of a life. Still, it's there, and Hegre has captured 100 different kinds of it.
   
   Marketa, the cover model, sets the pattern: they're all young, slender, and very lovely. A few, like Tatiane and Lucy, don't match the European mold - very few, and I would have liked more of the variety they represent. Some, like Luba are very 'posed.' Others, like Olga and Lena or Sveta and Inga, show models in close groups, hinting at physcial affection between them. Natural looks predominate but some - like Lza - offer surprises. The majority, typified by Olga, Andrea, and Dina, convey the fun the woman seems to have in simply being herself.
   
   This book is almost too much, though. The models are sweet, but I wouldn't want to eat only desserts all the time either. There are lots of other ways for a woman to look good - but Hegre has ignored them in favor of just this very conventional one. Well, it's an easy one to enjoy.
   
   This is a lovely collection of very pretty young women. It's not overtly erotic, except maybe once or twice. Instead, it simply celebrates the charm and elegance that's native to these lovely models.
   
   //wiredweird



3. Interesting piece of work, with Petter Hegre's quality. High quality printing and presentation. The only downside of the product, looks no different from the material from Hegre you can see in the Web for free.



4. 100 Girls. I like 100 Years by FFF better. Out of this collage I preferred, or flagged about 6 or less pics. Granted in another's opinion, one may prefer 38. It's just on what you visually prefer. This item will be kept as the book and pics are well put together. Happy Viewing.



5. Hegre has some amazing skills and amazing talent working for him, but unfortunetly not much of either is shown here. Even the breathtaking Marketa looks undirected and bored beyond belief. Save the money and take a free tour of his website. You will get better quality.

5 comments about On Feathered Wings: Birds in Flight.

1. I ordered this book as amateur and enthusiastic ornithologist and photographed. I suppose to see excellent images of birds in motion. I looked forward see a beauty and details of flight. From this point of view I wasn't disappointed. Photos are excellent and many of them are really superb.
   
   I know that it is not an instruction book for wildlife photographers. However it could be interesting to see details of photographies (camera, lens, exp. conditions etc.)
   
   If I search for nit(s) I have to mention that the majority of photos are birds of prey (reason is obvious - great/big birds).
   
   Overall my rating is: Excellent!!!



2. Page through any bird photography book or birding magazine. You may not notice it at first, but eventually you come to realize that there are not many shots of birds in flight. The reason is simple - they are hard to get. But this book is just the opposite, birds on the wing is all that you will find here.
   
   This book would have been worthwhile if only for the unique premise, provided that the photographs are at least mostly technically sound. But the photographs here are, as best I can tell, technically perfect. Moreover, many of them are truly breathtaking.
   
   The author has organized the photographs into the following sections:
   - Killers on the wing - raptors (including owls) - 32 species
   - Wings along the shore - "shorebirds", which includes the shorebird family as well as any bird that may be found along the shore or ocean, such as terns and puffins - 21 species
   - Wings of the wetlands - 26 species
   - Songbirds on the wing - 5 species, only three of which are actually passerines (Barn and Tree Swallows, and Eastern Meadowlark)
   
   You will notice that there are more species of raptors included than any other group. Indeed, the raptor section is by far the largest in terms of number of photographs. That is to be expected, since this group is probably the easiest to capture in flight. Some of the raptors are just flying birds against a blue sky. But many of them are truly dramatic. All of the Bald Eagle and Osprey shots are fantastic. But the best could be a close-up of a stooping American Kestrel. It is unforgetable.
   
   My biggest disappointment with the species selection was a lack of songbirds. I can understand the scarcity due to the extreme difficulty of getting good flight shots of them, but still I was hoping for more.
   Another issue I had was the inclusion of photographs of captive raptors. I must note that the birds are free-flying and unrestrained, and I would not have known that they were captive birds if the captions had not mentioned it. This is just my personal opinion, but to me this cheapens the photographs. They are just as technically and artistically excellent as any of the others in this book, but they just don't have the same impact for me.
   
   There is no denying that the photographs collected here are amazing, and in some cases startlingly unique. This book is a must for bird photography lovers.



3. Speaking as a wannabe great bird photographer, all I can say is this book is humbling and inspiring.
   
   I agree with another reviewer that details of the shot (focal length especially) would have been useful.
   
   Fabulous.
   
   post-note...I was thinking this would be the first book I ever would put on my coffee table. I was surprised that was the same exact comment when I showed it to a fellow bird photographer. This really is a gorgeous book.



4. Birds are one of the more beautiful and majestic creatures of the world - and "On Feathered Wings: Birds of Flight" is a beautiful and majestic compilation of full color photographs, shot from breath taking angles, truly amazing the viewer with the adept skills of the photographer. With nearly two hundred of these awesome images, "On Feathered Wings: Birds of Flight" is a top pick for community library collections for photography and a great coffee table book for whoever loves birds.



5. ON FEATHERED WINGS IS THE BEST PICS I'VE EVER SEEN OF BIRDS IN FLIGHT. RICHARD HAS CAPTURED THESE BIRDS IN MID AIR ABOUT TO EAT THEIR PREY. COOL PICS CRISPY CLEAR. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANY BIRD LOVER...BRAVO RICHARD ETTLINGER!!!!